South Africa has suffered yet another devastating loss with the passing of Jacob (Baby Jake) Matlala after a long illness.
The Gauteng Department of Sport Arts Culture & Recreation MEC Lebogang Maile has learnt with great sadness of the departure of this legendary boxer. “Just when the country is still reeling from the news of Nelson Mandela's death, we are dealt yet another blow. In the space of two days, we have lost two of our treasured national assets” says MEC Maile.
Baby Jake Matlala held four “world” titles and two South African titles. He died at the Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital in Johannesburg on Saturday morning at the age of 51. He was one of the most popular South African sports personalities and was passionately known as the little big man because he was the shortest world champion in history.
“One of Baby Jake's memorable fights was his final round before retirement in 2002, after he won the fight, he presented Nelson Mandela with his victory belt ‘as a token of appreciation. It is quite a sad coincidence that South Africa is now mourning the deaths of the two great men at the same time. On behalf of the Gauteng government we would like to send our deepest condolences to the Matlala family, their loss is felt by the whole country” says MEC Maile.
Enquiries:
Nino Zama
Cell: 083 473 6725
Tel: 011 355 2702
E-mail: nino.zama@gauteng.gov.za
